How to Prevent Tartar Build Up

Posted on Jul 3, 2017 6:55am PDT

Tartar, also called calculus, forms when plaque is left on the teeth long
enough to harden. Similar to barnacles that form on a docked boat, tartar
cannot be simply brushed away--it must be scraped off. When tartar forms
on your teeth (usually around the gumline) it can lead to receding gumlines
or or other periodontal problems.

What can you do to prevent the formation of tartar on your teeth? Here
are 7 tips from the American Dental Association:

1.)
Don't Smoke: Studies show that smokers experience greater tartar buildup than the average
non-smoker. Who knew? One more reason to kick a smoking habit is to protect
your gums and teeth from tartar.

2.)
Use an Electric Toothbrush: Because tartar forms from plaque left on the teeth, using a toothbrush
that is designed to remove plaque more effectively will also protect your
teeth from tartar buildup.

3.)
Rinse with Antiseptic: A good mouthwash (preferably with fluoride) used daily will help keep
your mouth squeaky clean and free of plaque and tartar.

4.)
Avoid a Diet High in Sugar: Certain foods promote the formation of tartar more than other--one dentist
reported a patient with more tartar than he had ever seen. The problem?
She drank an 8 oz glass of warm milk every night before bed (after brushing
her teeth). Diets high in sugar or diets that simply involve a lot of
snacking promote the buildup of bacteria in your mouth, which leads to
the formation of tartar.

5.)
Floss Every Day: Those who do not floss miss parts of their mouth where bacteria, plaque
and tartar will eventually form. Is it any wonder that tartar typically
forms around the gumline and between teeth? No, because that is typically
where brushing cannot reach!

6.)
Brush Every Day, Twice a Day, for 2 Minutes: You know the drill. If you want to prevent tartar buildup, keep plaque
off your teeth by brushing for the alotted amount of time.

7.)
Use a Fluoridated Tartar-Control Toothpaste: What makes Tartar-Control Toothpaste a good investment is the added amount
of fluoride (which strengthens teeth and repairs enamel) and the triclosan,
a bacteria-fighting substance that fights plaque and tartar.

Dr. Chavez, a
dentist in Provo, loves serving Utah County and can help scrape the barnacle-like tartar
from your teeth any time you need. For more information about the importance
of preventing tartar buildup and how you can avoid it, talk to him or
his staff. Periodontal disease is a serious (and expensive) problem that
can be prevented by controlling the plaque and tartar that forms on your
teeth. Call Dr. Chavez's office today to schedule your next cleaning
or consultation at
(801) 426-6255.